Tie Tuesday (Earvin "Magic" Johnson)

He's one of the biggest athletes of all times.  His skills on the basketball court have cemented him as a legend - no question about that.  But his legacy will be what he's done off of the court. 

Magic Johnson is the CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, a company that has a net worth of $700 million.  He's also part-owner of the LA Dodgers and has several other enterprises including Magic Workforce Solutions, Sodexo Magic Food Service, Magic Airport Holdings and ASPiRE TV.

The five-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer recently launched his "Friends of Magic" project in Chicago.  The goal: To help at-risk students, including dropouts, graduate from school.  It gives them a second chance.  

As he wiped away tears during the announcement event, Magic said, "I've been so blessed in life. I'm trying to give back to the same community I grew up in."

Magic Johnson's Bridgescape Academy contracts with the Chicago Public Schools to help dropouts complete their graduation. 

Tie Tuesday (Jason Collins)

I'm toooooootalllly loving NBA player Jason Collins right now.  He did something so remarkably brave yesterday. His unwavering courage makes my heart smile.  I don't know him, but I sure wish I did.  He's best known for his basketball skills, but his legacy will be the news he recently shared with Sports Illustrated: 

                                         "I'm a 34-year old NBA center.  I'm black.  And I'm gay."

So, here he is.  The first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport.  Wow.  I mean...wow!   

After I read Jason's story, I was reminded of how important it is to live a life that's genuine and true.  It takes so much courage to live your life as YOU see fit.  It shouldn't be that way though.  It really shouldn't.  We should be able to live and think as freely as we wish.  In doing so, maybe we can help others along the way.  I know Jason's announcement will help others.  It will help some people embrace who they are and it will also help our country to become more compassionate.  

I'm convinced that being who you are and living in that truth is the path to happiness. Trusting yourself and making choices without fear is just...dope.  Point blank period.  Sound simple?  Not always.  But, it's sooooo worth it.      

Click here to read Jason's Sports Illustrated article.